Gainsborough is the place to be for forward thinking and ambitious businesses, according to research commissioned about perceptions and opportunities in the town.
The independent study questioned people’s general perceptions of Gainsborough and found that 78 per cent agreed the town is family orientated and 61 per cent felt it is both forward thinking and business focussed.
Eve Fawcett-Moralee, strategic lead for economic development at West Lindsey District Council, said she welcomed the findings of the research and felt that Gainsborough was gaining ground as the place to invest.
“Gainsborough is one of Midlands best kept secrets. This research supplies us with a benchmark to further improve the town’s offering, however it great that people already recognise what opportunities Gainsborough presents for businesses and families,” she said.
“Business growth in the area is stable, but as a designated growth area with Housing Zone status this can be improved on and Gainsborough offers affordable land for up to 4,350 homes and 19 hectares of prime commercial land to drive economic growth.
“Developers and investors are beginning to take advantage of the significant return on investment that our land has to offer and there are a number of major initiatives underway in Gainsborough to regenerate the town, boost the retail, leisure and tourism offering and create up to 3,000 jobs.”
The research also highlighted public perception of a close-knit community feel, as well as excellent educational facilities on the doorstep, such as Queen Elizabeth’s High School and The University of Lincoln.
“Lincolnshire has recently been cited as one of the top-five places in the country to bring up a family and Gainsborough is no exception,” added Eve.
“A number of key sites have been ear-marked for residential development on the historic riverfront, urban extensions are proposed to the north and south of the town and a number of key town centre sites will also be developed.
“Gainsborough has a diverse business base and is home to more than 1,700 businesses including Ping (European HQ), Eminox and Regal Beloit, plus the Marshall’s Yard award-winning retail complex.
“Thanks to the £18 million investment and support from the HCA there are big plans to rejuvenate the town to drive housing-led growth, which will continue to unlock Gainsborough’s potential and generate further positive perceptions of the town as a place to invest in.”
Steve Gelder CEO for Gelder Group construction company, based in West Lindsey said: “I’ve been working in the region for many years and it is encouraging to see that perceptions of Gainsborough are changing and the investment potential of the town is being realised.
“Gelder Group has been based in the area for 28 years and, with its affordable land values, established manufacturing base and low cost labour it is a very attractive proposition for business and families wanting to secure a strong future.”
Gainsborough is seeking to increase its population by at least 10,000 in the next twenty years.
